A South Carolina man accused of making a series of racist death threats online to a New York reporter has been arrested.
Austin Suman, 35, of Myrtle Beach, has been charged with willfully making a threat involving explosives and interstate stalking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said.
Suman faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
It was not immediately clear Friday afternoon if Suman had retained an attorney.
Suman sent death threats Nov. 8 to the reporter via Facebook and email and used a racial slur and derogatory language, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday.
“I will end you and your family,” he warned the reported, according prosecutors.
Suman’s anger stemmed from an article the reporter wrote about him in February 2019 about allegations of him threatening a roommate with a gun.
The complaint said that in his messages to the reporter he stated that “I have more guns than ever” and that “I’m full auto now.”
Prosecutors said threats that neutralizing threats against the press are a priority.
“To any individual who dares to cross the line and make hate-based threats against members of our press: You will be found, and you will be held accountable for your actions,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.